Eddie Howe is preparing for a busy January as Newcastle United look set to reshape parts of their squad, and while much of the focus has been on who could arrive at St James’ Park, there is a growing sense that departures will also play a major role in the club’s winter plans.
Injuries have forced Newcastle into difficult decisions, particularly in defence, where options are extremely thin, but behind the scenes there are also conversations taking place about players whose futures may lie elsewhere.
Newcastle’s current injury crisis has highlighted the need for reinforcements, especially at full-back. With several senior defenders sidelined, Lewis Hall is effectively the only natural option available in that area right now. That situation has pushed the club toward exploring defensive signings in January.
At the same time, there is also interest in strengthening the midfield, with long-term targets already being identified as part of a wider squad plan. However, to balance those potential arrivals, Newcastle may also need to offload players who are not getting the minutes they want or expect.
One name that continues to dominate the conversation is Will Osula. The young forward has barely featured since the start of November due to an ankle injury, yet his absence from the pitch has not stopped speculation about his future.
In fact, talk around a possible January exit has only intensified in recent weeks, and it now feels as though a decision could be close.
Reports suggest that Osula’s camp is actively exploring options that would allow him to play regular first-team football, something that has been difficult to come by at Newcastle.
While the striker has made 14 appearances this season and scored three goals, his role has often been limited, and there appears to have been some frustration over how his minutes have been managed. It has been suggested that Osula and Eddie Howe have not always been fully aligned when it comes to expectations around playing time, which has added to the sense that a move may benefit all parties.
This is not a completely new situation. During the summer, Osula was close to joining Eintracht Frankfurt before Newcastle decided to halt the deal late in the window.
At the time, the club felt it was better to keep him around as part of the squad. However, the circumstances have changed. Newcastle’s attacking options have evolved, competition for places has increased, and Osula’s pathway to regular starts looks even more challenging than it did a few months ago.
Interest from Frankfurt has not faded. In fact, discussions between the two clubs are understood to be ongoing, with the Bundesliga once again emerging as the most realistic destination. Germany is seen as a good fit for Osula’s style of play and development, and the player himself is believed to be keen on the move.
The talks are thought to centre around a loan deal that includes an option to buy, giving Frankfurt flexibility while offering Newcastle the chance to secure a strong return in the long run.
From Newcastle’s perspective, the financial side of the deal matters. Osula was signed for around £10 million in 2024, and the club will be aiming to make a healthy profit if he does leave.
With the Premier League’s financial rules always in the background, player trading has become an important part of squad management, not just a footballing decision. A successful deal for Osula could help fund incoming transfers and provide greater balance to the squad.
For Osula, the priority is clear. At 22, he needs consistent minutes to continue his development, something that is hard to guarantee at a club pushing to compete on multiple fronts.
A move away, particularly to a league that values young attacking players and offers regular opportunities, could be the right step at this stage of his career.
January is shaping up to be a turning point for both player and club. Newcastle must juggle the immediate demands of injuries and results with long-term planning, while Osula faces a decision that could define the next phase of his career.
With talks progressing and all sides seemingly open to a solution, it would not be a surprise if his future is resolved sooner rather than later, marking one of the first significant moves of Newcastle’s winter transfer window.
